Posted on 07/16/2004 3:50:17 PM PDT by jmstein7
Deconstructing Whoopi - a Republican Fires Back
By Jonathan M. Stein
In response to being fired by Slim-Fast for her lewd and outrageous anti-Bush diatribe at John Kerry’s exclusive, closed-door fundraiser on July 8th, the now-infamous Radio City “Hate Fest,” Whoopi Goldberg stated that “America's heart and soul is freedom of expression without fear of reprisal.” A close reading of Ms. Goldberg’s remarks divulges Hollywood’s fundamental misunderstanding of the First Amendment and the freedom of expression. The First Amendment is not the exclusive property and privilege of the Hollywood elite; but, perhaps more pointedly, the First Amendment absolutely does not shield people who exercise their First Amendment rights from the consequences of the resulting expression. Unlike the idyllic bubble-world that is Hollywood, in the real world – including portions of fly-over country that elite celebrities like Goldberg would never dare set foot in – actions have consequences.
Of course, the authorities cannot stop a speaker from exercising their freedom of expression for fear of the audiences’ reaction – the so-called “heckler’s veto” – but, on the other hand, the speaker has no right to suppress that reaction. Goldberg averred that “The fact that I am no longer the spokesman for Slim-Fast makes me sad, but not as sad as someone trying to punish me for exercising my right as an American to speak my mind in any forum I choose.” Someone should point out to Ms. Goldberg that the First Amendment only protects her from government reprisal; it does not insulate her from the ire of ordinary Americans who she might have actually insulted with her remarks. Apparently, the fact that people might actually disagree with her never crossed her mind; whither the favorite phrase of the entertainment elite “dissent is patriotic.” For Ms. Goldberg, dissent is patriotic, as long as it is not her remarks that one is dissenting from.
In fact, the First Amendment is not the exclusive privilege of the denizens of Beverly Hills; regular folks – ordinary consumers – had every right to express their own ire by demanding that Slim-Fast drop Whoopi. To paraphrase Justice Holmes, America is a marketplace of ideas. Ms. Goldberg’s overt belief that her ideas are superior to John Q. American who expressed his idea – i.e., “I choose not to buy products that Whoopi is associated with” – to Slim-Fast merely evinces her sheer arrogance.
Predictably, instead of accepting responsibility for her actions, Whoopi blamed the Republican Party for her dismissal – a pathetic cop out. Her automatic assumption that every single incensed person who contacted Slim-Fast was a Republican Party operative is preposterous. One needn’t be a registered Republican to be insulted by what is known of her remarks. In her defense, perhaps her remarks were taken out of context by reporters. If that is indeed the case, Americans will never know – the videotape of the event has been shrouded in secrecy, and the Kerry campaign has refused to let America see it. Perhaps it has been secured in Al Gore’s “lock-box”?
The bottom line is that if vociferous celebrities choose to carelessly, and publicly, emote with inflammatory rhetoric, which is their right, the ultimate audience of that rhetoric has every right to react with expression of its own – including boycotts. In case Ms. Goldberg hasn’t heard, boycotts are one of the most time-honored forms of expression. And, for Ms. Goldberg to call the indignation expressed by Americans participating in the boycott “disingenuous” merely adds insult to injury. The implication is that that the elites have a monopoly on genuine expression, which is asinine and deprecating.
Other reactions to Ms. Goldberg’s dismissal from Slim-Fast have been quite laughable, albeit predictable. Asa Khalif, head of Racial Unity USA in Pennsylvania, and self-proclaimed “diversity promoter” released a statement relating to Goldberg’s firing. He stated that “I smell racism from beginning to end. . . . SlimFast must realize that black women have every right to voice their views.” Well, the race-baiters are out in force. Now it is just a matter of time until Jesse Jackson is marching, with his trademarked grim expression, on Slim-Fast headquarters. In all frankness, Khalif’s absurd remarks should not merit media attention. However, it won’t be long until the misery merchants and masters of discord capitalize on the opportune firing of – gasp – a black woman. Perhaps Mr. Khalif glossed over the fact that people found the content of the remarks objectionable, not the person delivering them. I can guarantee Mr. Khalif that if lilly-white Michael Moore had delivered those remarks, the reaction would have been identical.
Like Mr. Khalif, I too smell something… but it isn’t racism.
Its called stuff happens in the navy. The MEPS in Utah lost some of my records so had to do them over at the office i go to in Las Vegas, So my date got canceled and recruiter is waiting for a response for a new date. But this isnt none of your business is it?
When you post your lies on a public forum, you can't turn around and claim it's nobody's business.
You really need to grow up. Unless you have an idea whats going on , you should really shut your mouth.
You're not going to cry, are you?
Seems to me you are. You dont like people with opposing opions so you like to attack them. You really need to start growing up.
You funny boy! I don't mind people with opposing points of view, to a point. I don't like little boys who attack people for saying The Pledge Of Allegiance. I don't like spoiled brats who brag about being in Navy boot camp while FReeping.
Amazing, Do you have a reading Comprehension problem? I never attacked anyone saying the pledge. You on the other hand attacked people who put their right hand over their hearts and didnt say it by saying they are not patriotic.
You just asked why i wasnt in the Navy, and i told you the reason. But my answer wasnt good for you so you attack me more. Please grow up kid.
Well, now you're lying about the posts that were put up. Like I said, I don't mind people with opinions different from mine, but I do not like liars.
The only liar is you and you know it.
That's right up there with "nanny nanny boo boo." My mother always told me that it's pointless to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person. I can see she was right.
My mom told me not to agrue with liars.
Whoopi Goldberg stated that “America's heart and soul is freedom of expression without fear of reprisal.”
Alrighty then! So Whoopi's maid can cuss her out like a whore, producers and directors can treat her like a dog, her paper boy can moon her, etc, and she should not give them any reprisals? Sounds like a wild party. Thank God I was not invited.
Then shall we assume you don't talk to yourself?
Actually, I was talking to you. You make lies about people that you cant prove. I am done talking to you its like talking to my 2 year old cousin. Have a great night!
Oh, don't you worry your little head about that. I'll have a wonderful night.
BTTT!!!!!!
You know Lion's Gate distributors who distibuted F911 could be boycotted...they do put out other movies !
You Must be in the twilight zone dude. The Klinton's used the USSS as a Gestapo against any one, who told the truth about them. I presume you forgot about the couple Bro. Klinton snapped his fingers at, and had them hauled in for interrogation. Their remark was about those soldiers killed in Somalia. Klinton and crew refused to send some heavy armor(tanks) which woud have saved some American lives. Wake up and smell the coffee, we have a " President (Real) In Office) One with integrity, fortitude, outstanding leadership abilities and speaks the truth. My final question to you is, "Are you with us or Against Us??" Bush/Cheny2004
The only good movie Lion's Gate ever distributed was American Psycho.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.